The Municipality of Arran-Elderslie is paying tribute to its first deputy mayor.
Mark Davis, a life-long Elderslie resident, died last Friday. He was 68-years-old.
In honour of his commitment to public service, the municipality is flying flags outside of its buildings at half-staff.
Davis was initially a councillor for the former Township of Elderslie before becoming the first deputy mayor of the newly amalgamated Municipality of Arran-Elderslie in 1999. He was elected again as a council or the Elderslie ward in 2004 and 2006 and as deputy mayor in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Davis also served as chair of the local recreation committee, Chesley fire board and building committee for the new municipal office.
"His passion for public works and his strong connection to the community helped shape how the municipality operates today. Known for his thoughtful leadership and genuine care for residents, Mark Davis was always ready to listen and advocate for what mattered most to the people of Arran-Elderslie," the municipality said in a statement. "The municipality extends its heartfelt appreciation for Mark Davis’s decades of service and the meaningful legacy he leaves behind."
A visitation for Davis will be held at the Chesley Community Centre from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. A memorial service will be held at the same location at 11 a.m. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, Davis' family has asked for donations to the Kinsmen Club of Chesley or the Chesley Hospital Foundation.